Shamsi remaining positive as Proteas reach do-or-die stage

Southampton - Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is keeping a positive outlook as South Africa face face the very real possibility of a premature World Cup exit.

With 0 wins from 3, including a shocking loss to Bangladesh, the Proteas have no more room for error and they might have to win all six of their remaining matches to qualify for the semi-finals.

It starts with Monday's clash against the West Indies in Southampton.

Shamsi played his first match of the tournament against India at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, leaving with figures of 0/54 from his nine overs as South Africa went down by 6 wickets.

With Beuran Hendricks now available to play as Dale Steyn's replacement in the squad, the Proteas must decide if they want to go in with two spinners against West Indies.

Either way, Shamsi believes there is enough time left for South Africa to turn things around.

"Obviously three out of three losses is not great, but the way I'm looking at it is that only one third of the tournament is gone and there are two thirds to go," Shamsi told media after the India match.

"There is no reason that we cannot win the next few games.

"Every time you play for South Africa there is pressure, but that is what you want. You want to be able to do something special and great and help the team win.

"The guys were hurting from the first two games and they had given their all. The guys are always working and training hard.

"I'm still very positive. We're not even half way and this team has done it i the past. I'm looking forward to that and the next six games and I'm backing the guys to do it."

@LloydBurnard is in England covering the 2019 Cricket World Cup for Sport24 ...